Prevalence Of Binge Drinking Research Articles

Trends in Binge and Heavy Drinking among Adults in the United States, 2011–2017

Background: Alcohol misuse is one of the leading causes of preventable death in the United States each year. Objectives: In the present study, we examine trends in binge and heavy drinking. We used data from the 2011–2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. For trend analyses, we used logistic regression for heavy drinking and binge drinking variables. Joinpoint model analysis was conducted to identify where significant changes in trend occurred. Results: The trend analysis indicated that the overall prevalence of binge drinking decreased significantly from 18.3% in 2011 to 16.0% in 2014, then increased significantly to 17.0% in 2017. This trend was also found for heavy drinking, with a significant decrease from 6.6% in 2011 to 5.8% in 2014, then increased significantly to 6.2% in 2017. This trend persisted for certain subgroups; males, females, White participants, and the 35–54 age group all had a similar decrease in prevalence followed by an increase from 2014–2017. Conclusions: Overall, our results indicate a recent significant increase in both binge and heavy drinking among the general population.

Binge drinking, alcohol outlet density and associated factors: a multilevel analysis among adolescents in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State, Brazil.

Our study sought to evaluate the prevalence of binge drinking in adolescents and its association with density of alcohol outlets around schools. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, with 436 high-school students aged between 17 and 19 and enrolled in 18 public and private schools. The students completed the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT-C), consisting of questions about alcohol consumption by parents and siblings, and socioeconomic status (type of school, mother's education level). Data from geographic information systems were used to estimate the density of alcohol outlets around schools participating. The association between exploratory variables and binge drinking was investigated using multilevel logistic regression analysis (p < 0.05) with random intercepts and fixed slopes. A three-step sequential modeling strategy was adopted. The prevalence of binge drinking was 39.9%. The alcohol consumption among adolescents was lower for those studying in areas with low density of alcohol outlets around schools (OR = 0.32; 95%CI: 0.14; 0.73) and the consumption of alcohol by mothers was associated with binge drinking among adolescents (OR = 1.94; 95%CI: 1.14; 3.30). Our study concluded that binge drinking among adolescents was associated with density of alcohol outlets around the schools and mother's alcohol consumption.

Binge drinking and overweight in brazilian adults - CUME Project.

To verify the association between heavy episodic alcohol consumption [binge drinking (BD)] and overweight in 2,909 adults from the Cohort of Universities of Minas Gerais (CUME Project) baseline, Brazil. Cross-sectional study in which sociodemographic, anthropometric (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 = overweight) and dietary intake data were collected. This study evaluated the occurrence and monthly frequency of BD (≥ 4 drinks at one time for women; ≥ 5 drinks at one time for men, in the last 30 days). The prevalence of BD and overweight were 41.3% and 40.8%, respectively. BD increased the prevalence of overweight by 19%, and, BD exposure by ≥ 5 days / month increased it by 31%. BD on a single or multiple occasion during the month was associated with a higher prevalence of overweight. Therefore, such a lifestyle should be considered in weight gain prevention strategies.

Prevalence and factors associated with binge drinking among Brazilian young adults, 18 to 24 years old.

To evaluate the prevalence and factors associated with binge drinking (BD) among young Brazilians. This cross-sectional study used data from the 2013 National Health Survey. The sample consisted of 7,823 young people aged between 18 and 24 years. The outcome was BD: four or more doses on one occasion for women and five doses or more for men. Sociodemographic, health and behavioral explanatory variables were considered. Binary Logistic Regression was used, with estimation of odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). The prevalence of BD among young Brazilians was 17%, with regional differences. The associated factors with a higher chance of BD were: 21 and 24 years old (OR = 1.35; 95%CI 1.08 - 1.70); employed (OR = 1.27; 95%CI 1.01 - 1.61); report tiredness (OR = 1.53; 95%CI 1.19 - 1.97) and currently smoking (OR = 4.10; 95%CI 2.95 - 5.70). Women (OR = 0.43; 95%CI 0.34 - 0.54) and participating in religious activities (OR = 0.67; 95%CI 0.53 - 0.84) were associated with a lower chance of BD. A national study evaluating the profile of young Brazilians who present episodes of binge drinking is important to favor the implementation of public prevention policies aimed at this specific population.

The Endocrine System and Alcohol Drinking in Females.

Sexually dimorphic effects of alcohol exposure throughout life have been documented in clinical and preclinical studies. In the past, rates of alcohol use disorder (AUD) were higher in men than in women, but over the past 10 years, the difference between sexes in prevalence of AUD and binge drinking has narrowed. Recent evidence adds to historical data regarding the influence of sex steroids on alcohol drinking and the interaction with stress-related steroids. This review considers the contribution of the endocrine system to alcohol drinking in females, with a focus on the hypothalamic pituitary gonadal axis and the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis and their reciprocal interactions. Emphasis is given to preclinical studies that examined genomic and rapid membrane effects of estrogen, progesterone, glucocorticoids, and GABAergic neurosteroids for their effects on alcohol drinking and models of relapse. Pertinent comparisons to data in males highlight divergent effects of sex and stress steroids on alcohol drinking and emphasize the importance of considering sex in the development of novel pharmacotherapeutic targets for the treatment of AUD. For instance, pharmacological strategies targeting the corticotropin releasing factor and glucocorticoid receptor systems may be differentially effective in males and females, whereas strategies to enhance GABAergic neurosteroids may represent a biomarker of treatment efficacy in both sexes.

The Role of Stress, Trauma, and Negative Affect in Alcohol Misuse and Alcohol Use Disorder in Women.

Recent evidence indicates that the United States is facing a public health crisis of alcohol misuse and alcohol use disorder (AUD), which has been fueled in part by dramatic rises in binge and heavy drinking and prevalence of AUD in women. Historically, alcohol misuse and AUD have been more prevalent in men than in women. However, recent evidence on data from the past decade shows increases in AUD prevalence rates that are associated with substantially higher binge and heavy drinking and AUD prevalence in women compared to men. This paper first addresses the key roles of stress, trauma, childhood maltreatment, negative affect, and mood and anxiety disorders; sex differences in the presentation of these psychosocial and psychological factors; and their contributions to alcohol misuse, escalation to binge and heavy drinking, and transition to AUD in women. Also examined are potential central and peripheral biological mechanisms by which stressors and traumatic experiences, as well as chronic stress states—including depression and anxiety—may facilitate differential pathways to alcohol misuse, escalation, and transition to AUD in women. Finally, this paper discusses major gaps in the literature on sex differences in these areas as well as the need for greater research on sex-specific pathways to alcohol misuse and transition to AUD, so as to support a more comprehensive understanding of AUD etiology and for the development of new strategies for prevention and treatment of alcohol misuse and AUD in women.

A growing need for youth mental health services in Canada: examining trends in youth mental health from 2011 to 2018.

The mental health of youth is continually changing and requires reliable monitoring to ensure that adequate social and economic resources are allocated. This study assessed trends in mental health among Canadian youth, 12-24 years old. Specifically, we examined the prevalence of poor/fair perceived mental health, diagnosis of mood and anxiety disorders, suicidality, perceived stress and sleep problems, substance use, and mental health consultations. Data were collected from eight cycles of the annual Canadian Community Health Survey (2011-2018). Prevalence of mental health outcomes was calculated from each survey, and meta-regression was used to assess trends over time. In the absence of a significant trend over time, the eight cycles were pooled together using meta-analysis techniques to gain precision. Trends in prevalence were assessed for the overall sample of youth (12-24 years) and separately for male and female adolescents (12-18 years) and young adults (19-24 years). The prevalence of poor/fair perceived mental health, diagnosed mood and anxiety disorders, and past-year mental health consultations increased from 2011 to 2018, most strongly among young adult females. Past-year suicidality increased among young adult females but did not change for other age and sex groups. Notably, the prevalence of binge drinking decreased by 2.4% per year for young adult males, 1.0% for young adult females and 0.7% per year for adolescent males, while staying relatively stable for adolescent females. Prevalence of cannabis use declined among adolescents before legalisation (2011-2017); however, this trend did not persist in 2018. Instead, the 2018 prevalence was 5.6% higher than the 2017 prevalence (16.3 v. 10.7%). The combined prevalence of other illicit drug use was stable at 4.6%; however, cocaine use and hallucinogens increased by approximately 0.2% per year. Our findings highlight a growing need for youth mental health services, as indicated by a rise in the prevalence of diagnosed mood and anxiety disorders and past-year mental health consultations. The reason for these observed increases is less apparent - it may represent a true rise in the prevalence of mental illness, or be an artefact of change in diagnostic practices, mental health literacy or diminishing stigma. Nonetheless, the findings indicate a need for the health care system to respond to the rising demand for mental health services among youth.

Social marginalization, gender-based violence, and binge drinking among transgender women in Cambodia

BackgroundTransgender women experience disproportionate social stigma that may lead to behavioral risks and poor psychological wellbeing. This study examines social and behavioral factors associated with binge drinking among transgender women in Cambodia. MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2016 among 1039 transgender women recruited from 13 provinces using the Respondent Driven Sampling method. A structured questionnaire was used for face-to-face interviews. Weighted multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify risk factors associated with binge drinking. ResultsThe prevalence of binge drinking was 43.3 %. After adjustment, the odds of binge drinking were significantly higher among participants in the age group of 25–34 compared to those in the age group of 18–24 and lower among participants in job categories such as hairdresser or beautician, office workers, and self-employed compared to those who were unemployed. The odds of binge drinking were significantly higher in participants who dropped out of school and thought it was because of their transgender identity, had transactional sex in the past three months, used amphetamine-type stimulants in the past three months, and reported experience of verbal abuse by family members during childhood. Regarding mental health, the odds of binge drinking were significantly lower among participants who had depressive symptoms over the past week. ConclusionsThese findings highlight the intersections between social marginalization, gender-based violence, HIV risks, and alcohol abuse. We recommend further exploration of the structural factors that may be modifiable through workplace policies or occupational health interventions among transgender women.

Awareness of breast cancer risk related to a positive family history and alcohol consumption among women aged 15-44years in United States.

Awareness of the link between breast cancer and risk factors such as family history of breast cancer and alcohol consumption may help modify health behaviors. To reduce risk factors for breast cancer among young women, it is important to understand overall levels of risk awareness and socioeconomic differences in awareness. Data from the National Survey of Family Growth 2011-2015 were used to examine awareness of two risk factors for breast cancer, positive family history and alcohol consumption, among women aged 15-44years (n=10,940) in the United States by presence of risk factors and by socioeconomic characteristics. Prevalence of positive family history, non-binge, and binge drinking was 30%, 29%, and 31%, respectively among women aged 15-44. Awareness of positive family history of breast cancer as a risk factor for breast cancer was 88%, whereas for alcohol consumption it was 25%. Awareness of family history as a risk factor was higher among women with positive family history of breast cancer compared to those without. Current drinkers were more likely to believe that alcohol was not a risk factor for breast cancer compared to those who did not drink. Racial/ethnic minority women and those with lower education and income had lower awareness of family history as a risk factor. Awareness of alcohol consumption as a risk factor for breast cancer was low across all socioeconomic groups. Evidence-based interventions to increase risk awareness and decrease excessive alcohol use among young women are needed to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.

Contributions of parenting styles and parental drunkenness to adolescent drinking.

Objective:To estimate the association of parental drunkenness and parenting style with alcohol consumption among adolescents and the contributions of parental drunkenness and parenting style to the prevalence of binge drinking among adolescents.Method:Cross-sectional survey of a representative sample of secondary students aged 13 to 18 from 27 Brazilian state capitals (n=17,028). Private and public schools were included. A self-report questionnaire collected data on adolescents’ alcohol drinking behavior, parenting styles, and parenting and peer models of drunkenness.Results:Non-authoritative parenting style and parental drunkenness are associated with binge drinking among adolescents. Authoritarian, indulgent, and negligent parenting styles were associated with 1.50-, 2.51-, and 2.82-fold increases in prevalence of adolescent binge drinking, and parental drunkenness, with a 1.99-fold increase. The non-authoritative parenting style made a larger contribution than parental drunkenness to adolescent binge drinking.Conclusions:Non-authoritative parenting style and parental drunkenness seem to play an important role in adolescents’ binge drinking behavior. At the population level, parenting style appears associated with a greater contribution to this behavior among adolescents. Prevention strategies targeting parental drunkenness may be bolstered if a broader approach including parenting styles is in place.

Heavy and binge alcohol drinking and parenting status in the United States from 2006 to 2018: An analysis of nationally representative cross-sectional surveys.

BackgroundBinge and heavy drinking are preventable causes of mortality and morbidity. Alcohol consumption by women who parent is damaging to child health, and it is concerning that women in the United States in their reproductive years have experienced increased drinking over the past decade. Although media attention has focused on the drinking status of women who are child-rearing, it remains unclear whether binge and heavy drinking vary by parenting status and sex.Methods and findingsWe examined national trends in binge drinking, defined as 5 or more drinks in a single day for men and 4 or more drinks for women, and heavy drinking, defined as 60 or more days with binge episodes in a year. We used survey-weighted logistic regression from the 2006–2018 waves of the cross-sectional National Health Interview Survey (NHIS, N = 239,944 eligible respondents) to study time trends in drinking outcomes by sex, age, and parenting status. Binge drinking increased for both sexes in nearly all age groups, with the largest increase among women ages 30–44 without children (from 21% reporting binge drinking in 2006 to 42% in 2018); the exception was young men (ages 18–29) with children, among whom binge drinking declined. By 2012, the prevalence of binge drinking among young men with children (38.5%) declined to below that of young women without children (39.2%) and stayed lower thereafter. Despite widespread increases in binge drinking, heavy drinking declined or remained stable for all groups except older women (ages 45–55) without children (odds ratio [OR] for heavy drinking each year = 1.06, 95% CI 1.02–1.10) and women ages 30–44, regardless of parenting status. For binge drinking outcomes only, we saw evidence of interaction in drinking trends by parenting status, but this was shown to be confounded by sex and age. Men and women with children reported consistently lower levels of drinking than those without children. Rates of abstention mirrored trends in binge outcomes for both sexes, limiting concerns about invariance. Study limitations include self-reported data and measurement invariance in binge drinking cutoffs across study years.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that trends in binge and heavy drinking over time were not differential by parenting status for women; rather, declines and increases over time were mainly attributable to sex and age. Women both with and without children are increasing binge and heavy drinking; men, regardless of parenting status, and women without children consumed more alcohol than women with children. Regardless of impact on child health, increased drinking rates in the past decade are concerning for adult morbidity and mortality: binge drinking has increased among both sexes, and heavy drinking has increased among older women. Men and women of all ages and parenting status should be screened for heavy alcohol use and referred to specialty care as appropriate.

Violence and substance use in sexual minorities: Data from the Second Brazilian National Alcohol and Drugs Survey (II BNADS)

ObjectiveTo describe the prevalence of substance use and the associations between adverse early life experiences, sexual behaviour and violence in sexual minority (SM) individuals. MethodsThe Brazilian National Alcohol and Drugs Survey is a probabilistic household survey performed in 2012, collecting data from 4067 Brazilians aged 14 years and older. Results3.4% of the sample declared themselves as sexual minorities, 53.8% female, 66.5% single, mean age of 29.5 years (standard deviation 16.0 years). A high prevalence of alcohol dependence (15.2%) and binge drinking (22.2%) was identified in the SM group. Respondents were more likely to use crack cocaine and hallucinogens, to have been involved in child prostitution, child sexual abuse and to report suicidal ideation in the previous year. Respondents were also more likely to engage in unprotected sex compared to non-sexual minorities. Nearly one-third referred to having suffered homophobic discrimination in their lives. Respondents also reported higher rates of domestic violence (18.9%) and urban violence (18%) among the SM. ConclusionThe findings reinforce that violence directed at individuals in the Brazilian SM community begins early in life and persists into adulthood when compared to non-sexual minorities. This population is also more exposed to substance use disorders.

High-Risk, but Hidden: Binge Drinking among Men Who Have Sex with Men and Transgender Women in Lima, Peru, 2012-2014

Background: Binge drinking (BD) is common in Peru, but may not be routinely detected by standard assessments of hazardous drinking. Objectives: We describe prevalence and risk behaviors of men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TW) in Peru who met criteria for BD as compared with those who met criteria for hazardous drinking. Methods: In a cross-sectional sample of MSM and TW from Lima (2012-2014), we calculated prevalence of BD (consuming ≥6 alcoholic drinks per occasion by AUDIT-3 criteria), conducted bivariate analyses of associations of BD with demographic and behavioral characteristics, and compared prevalence and behaviors of BD to those of hazardous drinkers (identified by AUDIT-10 criteria). Results: Of 1,520 MSM (n = 1,384) and TW (n = 137) with median age 27 years, 74.4% of MSM and 86.9% of TW met criteria for BD. Among MSM, BD was associated with a greater likelihood of using alcohol (41.6% vs. 13.8%; p < .01) or drugs (7.8% vs. 2.8%; p < .01) prior to a recent sexual contact. Among TW, BD was associated with greater frequency of alcohol use (44.9% vs. 11.1%; p < .01) or unprotected anal intercourse (58.8% vs. 33.3%; p = .04) during ≥1 of their three most recent sexual contacts. There was a higher prevalence of BD (75.5%) than hazardous drinking (53.2%) in our sample, with binge drinkers exhibiting similar sexual risk behaviors to hazardous drinkers. Conclusions: Binge drinking is common among MSM and TW in Lima, associated with risky sexual behavior, and may not be adequately captured by AUDIT-10 criteria.

Tobacco smoking and binge drinking among university students in three European countries, 2009-2017

Abstract Background Attention is needed on students as high levels of substance use are often part of the university experience. The aim of the study is to identify the trend of tobacco smoking and binge drinking among university students (US) of Belgium, France and the Netherlands over a 9 years period. Methods Three repeated cross-sectional studies in US were performed in 2009-10, 2012-13 and 2016-17 in university of Antwerp (Belgium), Amsterdam (the Netherlands) and Rouen (France). US between 18 and 25 voluntarily filled out a self-administered anonymous questionnaire. The socio-demographic characteristics (age, gender, curriculum, job and accommodation) of the US were collected. Tobacco smoking and binge drinking in the previous 12 months were also collected. The trend test of Cochran-Armitage was used for comparisons. Results In 2010, 1388 US were included in Antwerp, 1907 in Amsterdam, and 1137 in Rouen. In 2013, 1665 US were included in Antwerp, 3590 in Amsterdam, and 1488 in Rouen. In 2016, 2347 US were included in Antwerp, 4157 in Amsterdam, and 1011 in Rouen. Female gender was 63.4% in Antwerp, 68.7% in Amsterdam and 65.4% in Rouen. The prevalence of tobacco smoking was respectively in 2010, 2013 and 2016: in Antwerp: 31.0%, 33.5% and 27.6% (p = 0.008); in Amsterdam: 13.7%, 16.5% and 17.0% (p = 0.003); in Rouen: 21.3%, 23.7% and 23.5% (p = 0.21). The prevalence of binge drinking (more than once a month) was respectively in 2010, 2013 and 2016: in Antwerp: 16.2%, 12.3% and 16.7% (p = 0.30); in Amsterdam: 26.5%, 27.4% and 26.5% (p = 0.82); in Rouen: 8.6%, 16.6% and 7.1% (p = 0.44). Conclusions Risk behaviours as tobacco smoking and binge drinking in US show a different prevalence according to country. Tobacco smoking decreases in two countries and frequent binge drinking did not change during the 9 years period. Further analyses need to be conducted taking into account the curriculum and the socio-demographic characteristics. Key messages Risk behaviours as tobacco smoking and binge drinking in university students show a different prevalence according to the European country. Binge drinking does not worsen for 9 years among university students.

Prevalence and correlates of alcohol and tobacco use among key populations in Togo in 2017: a cross-sectional study

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to estimate alcohol and tobacco use prevalence and their correlates among female sex workers (FSW), men who have sex with men (MSM) and drug...

Prevalence of binge drinking and its association with mental health conditions and quality of life in Singapore

AimsAlthough heavy alcohol consumption has been linked to a myriad of adverse health problems, there is a paucity of population-based studies in Asian countries. The aims of this study were to determine the past-year prevalence of binge drinking in Singapore and its associations with socio-demographic factors, mental health conditions and quality of life. MethodsData from the Singapore Mental Health Study 2016 (N = 6126) on binge drinking were included in the analysis. Multiple logistic regressions were used to assess the adjusted odds ratio (ORadj) between binge drinking and relevant socio-demographic variables, and mental health conditions. ResultsIn the sample, 13.7% of respondents reported past-year binge drinking, 17.6% of males and 9.8% of females were binge drinkers. Most of them were infrequent binge drinkers (7.3% binge drink less than monthly). Moderate associations between binge drinking and mood and anxiety disorders (ORadj = 1.8–4.4), were noted, while associations with alcohol use disorders were much stronger (ORadj = 5.3–9.7). Associations between binge drinking and anxiety disorders were observed exclusively in females (ORadj = 2.3–3.3). Binge drinkers reported a lower quality of life compared to their non-binging counterparts; binge-drinking males seemed to be more affected. ConclusionsThe prevalence of binge drinking is low in Singapore compared to global estimates; most binge drinkers in Singapore were infrequent binge drinkers. However, binge drinking was found to be associated with a myriad of mental health conditions, and a decline in quality of life was noted among binge drinkers.

At risk alcohol consumption with smoking by national background: Results from the Hispanic community health study/study of Latinos

IntroductionTobacco smoking and binge or excess drinking are unhealthy behaviors that frequently co-occur. Studies of Hispanics/Latinos have mostly been of Mexican Americans although there are substantial differences in smoking and drinking by heritage background. Associated with co-use by 5 subpopulations. MethodsCross-sectional data of 16,412 Hispanics/Latinos from Miami, the Bronx, Chicago and San Diego collected between 2008 and 2011 as part of the HCHS/SOL were analyzed. Smoking and alcohol consumption and demographic data were measured by self-report. Prevalence of smoking and alcohol consumption and co-use were reported. Logistic regression models examined the odds of co-use of smoking and binge or excess alcohol use by Hispanic/Latino background group. ResultsMen of Cuban (10.3%), Puerto Rican (8.9%), and Mexican (8.9%) background had the highest prevalence of co-use of smoking and binge drinking compared to men of Central American (6.1%) and Dominican (6.6%) background. Women of Dominican (16.4%) and Puerto Rican (19.7%) background had the highest prevalence of binge drinking compared to women of Central American (10%) and Cuban (8%) background and Puerto Rican (34.1%) and Cuban (21.8%) women were the most likely to report current smoking compared to women of Central American (8.3%) and Mexican (10.4%) background. Acculturation was not associated with co-use among men and women. Elevated depressive symptoms were positively associated with smoking and binge drinking among men, OR = 1.5 [1.2–2.0], and women, OR = 1.5 [1.1–2.2]. Puerto Rican women had increased odds of co-use of smoking and binge or excess drinking compared to Mexican American women, OR = 3.2 [1.5–6.6]. ConclusionsPuerto Rican and Dominican Latinas and Central American and South American men have a higher prevalence of co-use.

Binge Drinking Among Older Adults in the United States, 2015 to 2017.

Binge drinking is a risk factor for a range of harms. This study estimates the national prevalence of binge drinking and adds to our understanding of correlates of binge drinking among older adults in the United States. Cross-sectional analysis. A total of 10 927 adults, aged 65 years or older, from the 2015 to 2017 administrations of the US National Survey on Drug Use and Health. We estimated the prevalence of past-month binge alcohol use (five or more drinks on the same occasion for men and four or more drinks on the same occasion for women). Characteristics of past-month binge drinkers, including demographics, substance use, serious mental illness, mental health treatment utilization, chronic disease, and emergency department (ED) use, were compared to participants who reported past-month alcohol use without binge drinking. Comparisons were made using χ2 tests. We then used multivariable generalized linear models using Poisson and log link to examine the association between covariates and binge drinking among all past-month alcohol users aged 65 years or older. Of 10 927 respondents, 10.6% (95% CI = 9.9%-11.2%) were estimated to be current binge drinkers. Binge drinkers were more likely to be male, have a higher prevalence of current tobacco and/or cannabis use, and have a lower prevalence of two or more chronic diseases compared to nonbinge drinkers. In multivariable analysis, among past-month alcohol users, the prevalence of binge drinking was higher among non-Hispanic African Americans than whites (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] = 1.44; 95% CI = 1.16-1.80), tobacco users (aPR = 1.52; 95% CI = 1.33-1.74), cannabis users (aPR = 1.41; 95% CI = 1.11-1.80), and those who visited the ED in the past year (aPR = 1.16; 95% CI = 1.00-1.33). Over a tenth of older adults in the United States are estimated to be current binge drinkers. Results confirm the importance of screening for binge drinking behaviors among older adults to minimize harms. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:2139-2144, 2019.

The Use of Alcohol and Knowledge of Cardiovascular Diseases among Ellisras Rural Children Aged 14–22 Years: Ellisras Longitudinal Study

The harm alcohol abuse does to physical and mental health is well established. The perception of cardiovascular disease risk factors and alcohol use requires attention. This study aims to investigate the association between alcohol usage and knowledge of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) risk factors among Ellisras rural adolescents and young adults aged 14–22 years. In this cross-sectional study a total of 1409 subjects (736 boys and 673 girls), aged 14–22 years, from the Ellisras Longitudinal Study, South Africa completed a validated alcohol use and CVDs knowledge questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to estimate the association. The prevalence of alcohol intake increased with increasing age among girls (13.6% to 17.7%) and boys (10.3% to 16.9%) and reached a statistically significant difference (p < 0.024) at an older age category (20–22 years). There was a significant (p < 0.05) association between alcohol use and a positive response on the following knowledge statements: The fact that cardiovascular disease attacked all age groups and mostly elderly people (the odds ratio (OR) ranged between 0.5 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.33–0.74 and OR = 2.86 95% CI = 1.27–6.42). Medical doctors can help to diagnose somebody with cardiovascular diseases (OR ranged between 2.25 95% CI = 1.49–3.39 and OR = 0.75 95% CI = 0.65–0.87). The condition for cardiovascular diseases developed over a long period (OR ranged between 1.75 95% CI = 1.16–2.64 and OR = 2.23 95% CI = 1.34–4.07). The prevalence of alcohol use in Ellisras rural adolescents and young adults begins between the ages of 14 and 16 years and increases with age. Binge drinking was more evident on Fridays and Saturdays among the Ellisras rural adolescents and young adults with girls showing a significantly higher prevalence of binge drinking compared to boys on a Friday.

Item Responses in Quantity-Frequency Questionnaires: Implications for Data Generalizability.

Alcohol consumption is an important predictor of a variety of negative outcomes. There is an extensive literature that examines the differences in the estimated level of alcohol consumption between types of assessments (e.g., quantity-frequency [QF] questionnaires, daily diaries). However, it is typically assumed that all QF-based measures are nearly identical in their assessment of the volume of alcohol consumption in a population. Using timeline follow-back data and constructing common QF consumption measures, we examined differences among survey instruments to assess alcohol consumption and heavy drinking. Using three data sets, including clinical to community samples, we demonstrate how scale-specific item characteristics (i.e., number of response options and ranges of consumption assessed by each option) can substantially affect the estimated mean level of consumption and estimated prevalence of binge drinking. Our analyses suggest that problems can be mitigated by employing more resolved measures of quantity and frequency in consumption questionnaires.